For many people up and down the UK, summer just hasn't arrived until the first ice-cold glass of Pimm's has been poured, ideally stirred with plenty of mint garnish and a juicy helping of chopped fruit.
A quintessentially British variation of the Victorian 'Fruit Cup' cocktail, Pimm's has long been synonymous with garden parties, Wimbledon season, and indeed, summer itself.
If put on the spot, however, few of us would be able to describe exactly what gives Pimm's its ever-so distinctive taste. As refreshing and herby as it is, there's also a bitter note to it, with just the merest hint of spice.
In one curious Reddit thread, an inquisitive user received a number of varied, and at times puzzled responses, when they queried, "What's in Pimms and what does it taste like?"
Explaining their interest, they clarified: "Every time I've been in the UK I've meant to try Pimms, and, so far, after several trips I've still managed to miss it."
One particularly whimsical fellow Reddit user replied: "It's gin-based, but doesn't taste anything like it. Just tastes of summer."
Another commented: "Weird to describe it. A bit fruity with cucumber undertones?"
A third wrote: "It sounds crazy but if you mix lemonade with a little bit of balsamic vinegar it tastes just like Pimms. Slimming World recommends it as a low-calorie alternative!"
The Culture Trip reports that Pimm's started life as medicinal tonic first whipped up as an aperitif by fishmonger and bar owner James Pimm at some point between 1823 and 1840.
Pimm first invented the herbaceous tonic to help his customers keep down the oysters sold at his bar, Pimm’s Oyster Warehouses. There was a great craze for oysters in the 19th century, and so Pimm's post-dinner pick-me-up proved to be a roaring success.
The complete recipe for the classic Pimm's No 1. is kept strictly hush-hush, however, as per the iconic brand, ingredients include: "herbal botanicals, caramelised orange and warm spices."
Vinegar is not listed as an ingredient, however, some Slimming World members do indeed swear by a syn-free, alcohol-free alternative concoction made up of 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar for every litre of lemonade.
Just like the real deal, this version is then mixed together with plenty of fresh fruit, mint leaves, and ice.
One such variation was shared in a recipe video by Slimming World fan and content creator Donna Dyble, who declared the drink to be "great for these long hot Summer evenings".
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